Brady had two appointments this week, so it feels like an appropriate time to update all of our supportive people of the goings on.

The first appointment was with Brady’s physiatrist. We first met with a nurse, then two residents, and then the doctor. It was a long appointment where they went through all kinds of sensitivity tests on Brady, similar to the beginning of his stay at rehab. They broke a tongue depressor in half and poke him with the sharper end to see how sensation changed inch by inch down his torso. There is a very specific line where feeling goes from 100% to 20% to 0%, yet that spot is a liiiiittle bit different from side to side. There were lots of reflex tests and strength tests. The basic “don’t let me push you, don’t let me push you” stuff. There was a five point rating scale of strength, and his right leg tested at five for absolutely everything. The resident just laughed and said “Is five plus a thing?” Surprisingly, his right leg, the one with far less control, tested at four for a number of the exercises!! What a pleasant surprise! The only thing Brady couldn’t really do at all on the right side was move his foot side to side. The leg, sure, but not the foot. His right ankle is definitely his weakest point, and not all of his right leg muscles fire anymore. Not to say they never will, but that is the current state of his mobility.

His appointment took an unexpected turn when his doctor asked him to walk unaided. Now, this can be done, but it isn’t done because it is HARD and takes a mountain of energy and concentration. And realistically, Brady shouldn’t walk unaided because his muscles aren’t up for it, and he would have to walk “wrong.” It does him no favors. But the doctor just asked for it, so I stood with him with a hand out for him to grab it he lost his balance, and he walked back and forth across the exam room. I admit, though I really liked the doctor we saw, I had some brief eye roll moments when he critiqued Brady’s walking, saying it was unstable. Dude, if it was stable, he’d be walking… And he isn’t. Because it isn’t. But the main point was that the doctor noted how Brady walks on his toes, and that if his knee ever were to give out, he would hit the floor. He started talking about getting Brady’s AFO (ankle foot orthosis/brace) changed. Now, Brady’s AFO was custom made and fit and tweaked numerous times to get it exactly right for what he needed. The doctor wanted to bring it back to square one, fusing it back into one solid piece where he couldn’t bend his ankle anymore. That was something that was necessary several months ago, but he has progressed since then. It was TOO fixed before, to the point where it got in his way, and if Brady needed to be up and around, he would take it off. The doctor wanted to bring it back to that point, which was discouraging to both Brady and I. We expressed this, and he was willing to meet us in the middle, and just make a modification to it so he would have less movement, but not take it all away. We conceded, and he said he would make a note to contact Saskabilities on the subject.

Also in that appointment, it was noted that the tone in Brady’s right leg was vastly worse than we realized. Muscle tone is a good thing, but it can go too far, which is what has happened to Brady. His hamstring is SO tight, it is next to impossible to get his leg to extend fully. Which is likely part of why he walks the way he does. So changing the brace would force his foot/ankle into a more appropriate position, but we also need to tweak his meds a little bit. He had a medication that helped a lot with spasticity in his legs, but as time has gone on, his spasticity has improved greatly, and he’s gone way down in that medication. But apparently that medication is also important for tone, and he needs more. So a small tweak should do the trick. Thats not especially worrisome.

All things considered in that appointment, they told us that we are people they consider to be “making it.” They were all very happy with how much Brady can do, the strength he has, and the team we make. We were encouraged in a lot of ways. It was a successful appointment that I was happy to be there for.

The very next day, Brady and I went back to the hospital for an outpatient rehab appointment. If you remember from weeks back, Brady’s therapist changed, and we learned that we had to take some monumental steps back. It was terribly discouraging, and I felt very out of the loop. Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting his new therapist, and we really got along well! She asked what we wanted to tackle in PT, and we started talking a bit about Brady’s appointment the day before. We got into the discussion about his AFO being changed, and everyone agreed that it was a little hasty. Brady walked unaided to show his therapist what the doctor had seen, but then he walked with a crutch, and he was significantly more stable. Again, Brady doesn’t walk unaided, and his therapist knows this. She was, however, able to see what the doctor had noted about how his foot/ankle aren’t as straight as they should be. She agreed with the bump in his spasticity medication, but was hesitant with changing his AFO. It felt so good to have her on our side. She brought over a different brace to try that she thought might solve our problem, and it felt SO much smoother for Brady. Its a very light, streamlined brace that doesn’t have a full hinge on the ankle, but it had some flex. Its a way thinner brace, and I think Brady would be WAY more inclined to wear it than the big one he has now. The one he has now is super heavy duty, which was very necessary when he got it, but its a bit overkill at the moment. He has to wear bigger shoes. He can’t get pants over it well. Its just huge. But the one he tried in rehab yesterday was incredible. SO much potential there. His therapist was really happy to have found a middle ground for us, and she said she would personally talk to the doctor and make sure he was on board. Beyond that, we should be able to go to Saskabilities and pick this new brace up! Its not a custom fitted brace, but it will be bent up a bit and fitted to his leg. Its simpler, in the best of ways. I’m excited!

Physio was successful all around. His exercises went well. He is very strong, and it shows. He can move his ankle more than he could even a couple of weeks ago. Things are working. And his therapist is SO knowledgable. I was so grateful to be able to meet her and interact with her. She never made me feel in the way or like I shouldn’t be there. It was a good appointment and I hope very much to make it to the next one.

Its been the busiest week we’ve had in a long time, and as it wraps up, chemo begins today! We can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens us!

Covid may have stolen our coffeehouse gigs for a time, but Brady, Carrie, and I were asked to sing a Christmas set for a group of ladies next week. It has been a LONG time since we’ve played and sang together. My heart was so full as we sat in each others presence and chatted, played, chorded, figured, and sang.

Having not practiced together in so long, we were a little rusty, but it came back before we knew it, and we’re confident it’ll come together in time. The singing isn’t the hard part, though, and thats the bulk of my part. I know Carrie and Brady have more practicing ahead of them than I do 😬

We had our youngest kids together while we practiced, and they did great in the basement together for a bit. Then they came up, both a little quiet and suspicious, haha! But it wasn’t long before they were back together, reading books.

It was a very cute afternoon. Kids were cute. Music was good. Fellowship was had. What more could a person ask for?

A couple of days ago, Brady got a phone call from City Hospital saying he had a physiatrist appointment scheduled.

We had never heard that title before! Have you? What in the world is a physiatrist?

So. Learning time. A physiatrist is a physician who specializes in rehabilitation and physical medicine. That includes things like brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, neuromuscular, sports injuries, pain management, and everything in between. They are busy, and specialized. Today, we met Dr. Linassi.

It was a pretty long appointment, but we went through the motions with a nurse, then two residents, and then the doctor himself. That man was a ball of energy, let me tell you!! But he was fun. When he came in for his part of the appointment, he insisted the residents sat in the chairs. I was seated in the other chair, and Brady was on the exam table, so the doctor helped himself to Brady’s wheelchair. I LOVED that! He really seemed to burst at the seams with information and energy, but he had lots to offer, and he was so happy with how Brady was doing. Everyone in the room agreed that we were “making it.” Dr. Linassi exclaimed “You can void independently??” and came a big thumbs up. It was pretty great, actually, to have someone celebrate those victories with us. Its stuff people don’t think about, which is fine, but in the world of spinal cord injuries, Brady is doing better than many they see come through their facility, for which we are incredibly grateful 💜

The appointment was a long one, but we thank Cher for offering to hang with the kids so we could go together. We would always rather go to these things together, and it was a really lovely thing.

Today’s appointment ✔️
Blood draw ✔️

Tomorrow’s rehab appointment –
Pick up chemo for weekend –

Please continue to carry us in prayer.

Today was a much anticipated day away 💜Last week, Cher invited me to spend some time at her house, getting our craftiness on, alongside some delicious food and guilty pleasure tv. And that day finally came! Once the four kids had left for school, Cher came to pick me up for the day.

I was told to arrive hungry, and that I did. And good thing! While we watched Christmas episodes of our favorite shows, Cher cooked up some apple cinnamon perogies and bacon, with iced coffee on the side. It. Was. Delicious. Those perogies were unreal. Seriously, sprinkled with some icing sugar. Superb.

Lunch was battered shrimp and pickles done up in the air fryer, with a jones soda on the side. Deeeeelicious!

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Are you drooling yet?

We watched through all of the Christmas episodes from the Office, Parks and Rec, and Schitts Creek, and then we got a hankering for some Crazy Rich Asians, so we watched that. Meanwhile, I finished off one project and started another, and Cher worked on her project. We talked and watched and worked and ate and generally just soaked up each others awesomeness. We were productive, but relaxed, and completely enjoyed our time together. Yes, I am so confident that I’m speaking for both of us! It was a beautiful day together.

Thank you, Cher, for inviting me over for the day 💜 I anticipate more of these in the future! I love you!

I don’t know what to call you. An angel. A little birdy. A nifty gifty fairy. An elf. Or a thoughtful neighbour and caring friend.

I don’t know who you are, but you do.

*

Yesterday afternoon, as I sat on my recliner and crocheted, I heard the squeak of our mailbox. I looked up to see you gingerly walking down our ramp towards your vehicle. We can always hear people walking up our ramp, so you had to have been walking very carefully, very quietly. Good move. Once you were off the ramp, you jogged to your vehicle, got into the passengers side, and off you went.

I saw the back of you. Your hair was really nicely done. I love the colour, by the way. I saw your jacket. And I saw your car. Also very nice. I worked to place you, but I couldn’t. Your sneak attack mission was a success.

Curiosity got the best of me, and I immediately got up from my chair and went to check the mail. I suspected a Christmas card, perhaps, or maybe someone was dropping something off that you had borrowed.

And what I found was a gift. A present. A thoughtful one. For Brady and I.

Jammie shorts. Festive jammie shorts. Festive jammie shorts with trees. And elves. In wheelchairs.

I had posted a shorty rant on Facebook the other day about how much pajamas cost, and it became a whole conversation among friends. I had zero expectation of anyone buying these shorts for us.

Yet I can say that having them is SO incredible. Not just because they’re something I want because soft and Christmas and flannel and whatever. But because they’re a first for us. Inclusive clothing, if you will. Who’s to say none of Santa’s elves are in wheelchairs? No one knows for sure 😉

Maybe it doesn’t make all the sense in the world, but it feels like we’re representing 💪and I’m proud to be.

So is Brady 😂

He wasn’t ready to be in boxers in front of my mom, hahaha! But you’d better believe he rocked his boxers over his sweats for the rest of the day!

We tried to take selfies but it didn’t work out, lol!

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Whoever you are, you brought some real joy to our home yesterday, and again today, and likely for many days in the future. Your thoughtfulness is immeasurable, and your generosity the same. I will politely bow out of the search for you, because I know that isn’t the point, but please know how much we appreciate your gift and your heart. Thank you for wanting to bless us. We feel it.

Love Hailey and Brady

Brady the guest poster today!

Yesterday I was given the chance to try out a little bit of paid work for the first time since my surgery. A friend of mine contacted me and said he was painting a hallway in a commercial building and thought I might the chance to stretch my legs and see what I was capable of. And I accepted. 

There were three of us there and the other two guys did all the prep work so I didn’t have to bend down too far or put myself in a precarious position. 

My friend then handed me a paint roller with an extension handle and asked if I thought I could reach the whole wall from my wheelchair. I was able to but I felt limited in how much I could move so I stood up. And I was able to stand and balance while I PAINTED!! 

It felt so good to be able to work and contribute and not be a hindrance. I was even able to push my paint tray along and I painted a whol 10’ x 40’ wall. TWICE! Primer and then colour. 

It was a total of 4 hours but there was lots of coffee and visiting interspersed. I was actually working for maybe 1.5 to 2 hrs. And my back was sore after. But not painful. Just a ‘I worked a solid day’ kinda sore. It feels good! 

My back is a bit tighter today than usual but no more than a good workout would effect me the next day. 

I can’t wait to keep doing little jobs like this and slowly build my strength and endurance again. 

Turns out I CAN still contribute to society! 😃

I will admit that I felt really productive today. Not because I actually finished any projects or completed any big household tasks that were on my list. Whoops. Neglect. But I did ONE big thing!! And it felt good!

I got a couple of crochet orders out the door and into the mail! I felt like I succeeded, which was a win I ended up needing today.

There are still orders on the go that need to be done for Christmas. If you’re waiting for something from me, no, your order is not too much 💜I wouldn’t have said yes if I couldn’t swing it. I promise. Just to one side of me, I have two projects sitting on the bookshelf. One big one upstairs. That one is intimidating. And I have a couple that I currently still need yarn for, but will work up fast once I have it. Next time I’m in the city, I’ll have everything I need!

I feel quite shaky and anxious today, so I’m deeply anticipating an evening spent in bed, tucked in with a heating pad, crocheting, with Netflix on in the background. It helps my brain feel at peace, and my hands not to shake. My feet have been ice cold all day, so the heating pad will help. I’m going to be sooooo cozy.

I hope you all have a comfy evening, just like me.

I am really anticipating today. Today will be productive and enjoyable. I already know this, and its not even 9am. Soon, Cher will be here. She, Brady, and I will have toast and coffee. And then we will get to our stuff.

My plan is to crochet somewhere comfy, and get things done! I am SO looking forward to this! We will watch tv, or movies, or listen to music, or just chat. But we will be restful while productive. Low pressure productive 🙂

My plan is to crochet somewhere comfy, and get things done! I have two blankets in the works for different people, and while they’re very important projects, they haven’t been at the top of the list, as I’ve had bigger fish to fry. But today is blanket day! At least so far, thats the plan. I make no promises, haha!

In between crocheting, to take breaks, I’m going to start making possibly the largest Christmas card list of all times! If I can send a card to everyone who has supported us in any this year, I will! If you don’t think you’re on the list but you’d like to be, please be in touch. We have lots coming, and the proofs look amazing!! I had the pleasure of seeing the design yesterday, and I can’t wait!!

And throughout the whole day of play, we have Wavy and Solly home. They usually opt to be out in the garage with Brady, but if not, they’ll be in the house with Cher and I. Its been fun, though. They occupy each other beautifully, and play SO nicely together. Just this morning, Solly was stringing buttons onto string to make Wavy necklaces, and Wavy has been interpretive dancing in the living room with our throw pillows. Its been cute already, and it will only get cuter!

I’m grateful for the day, however it turns out 💜 But its definitely looking good so far!

There are seasons of blogging where I don’t feel like I have a lot I can share. Usually it means I’m keeping a secret. Like, a pregnancy. Thats when I feel it the most. Those first weeks of pregnancy are miserable for finding anything else to talk about! This time around, I do not have some awesome epic secret. No pregnancy. Not because I don’t want one, because we’re advised suuuuuper against pregnancy while Brady is doing chemo, obviously. I can tell you why my head is so full, but unfortunately, nothing too exciting.

Man I am really selling todays post, hey?

The simpler part of me not having much to talk about is the fact that I’m crocheting up a storm but its aaaaall Christmas gifts, and I can’t really share them publicly! I know one of the lovely people who has ordered from me has said I’m free to share, and maybe I will down the road. She ordered a whole stack of stuff, and it has felt like an awesome goal working it all out! Like that one, I’ve completed a couple of orders that I’ve truly enjoyed, and its been fun to be commissioned to make beautiful things 💜Its an honour to be asked. So, understandably, I can’t really share too much on this home front, and its been keeping me pretty busy.

On the flip side, we’ve been doing a LOT of house stuff over here. Its not a secret that we deeply desire to move. Not far, as we LOVE our home, and our neighbours. We are NOT eager to leave our people, but we do need a different house. There is no modification that we could make here to make it user friendly for Brady long term. And the longer we wait to move, the further away our tax years of income will be behind us. So we’ve been continually searching for ways to make it happen. For a minute there, we thought we had found a way. We had everything in order, but then things hit a snag and we’re back at square one again. Getting this mortgage is just seemingly impossible. I’ll admit, I had hoped to approach businesses to possible grant us donations or something along those lines, but with our gofundme not being tax deductible, it seems like less of a possibility. The door has not closed, but its leaned in that direction. *in a cheesy announcer voice* We are still accepting any or all ideas and suggestions on how to move forward on these things 😆When we thought we had a workable idea nailed down, I abandoned some of the other directions, but I think I may need to buckle down and write a letter to a few places. All of this said, while nothing big has happened, we’ve been teetering on the precipice of whether or not our build will come to be, and its been hard to share where we’re at when we don’t even know.

There you have it. Lots to share, and lots that I can’t, and lots that I don’t even know. You have my heart now.

We’re only just opened the door to winter weather this season, but it has me up in arms. Change is hard, and I’m here for it, but as I’ve said before, I’m very nervous for winter.

After our first big dump of snow, we realized we hadn’t taken the mat off of our trampoline. We figured we’d wait it out, as the first snow of the season almost never stays. But if you’re from here, you know. It stayed. Once we had come to terms with that, we had to get to it and get the job done.

Brady was pretty insistent that he would do it. He said it would be really hard, especially with everything being frozen already. I was pretty insistent that I would do it. Getting out to the backyard would be well over half the battle. These days, I almost always win that argument. But he was determined. Quick recap.

A person either needs to go down the stairs to the entrance, down the few stairs into the basement, out the back man door, and walk across our yard to get to the trampoline, or they could go out the back door onto the deck, and go down the tall set of composite stairs. Add to this icy conditions and the inability to feel your legs. And, what the heck, add some crazy heavy winter boots to it. Sounds good, right?

If this is not determination, I don’t know what is. 🥺💜

We made a deal. He had his phone on him, and if at any point, it felt a little treacherous, he would call me. Even if it meant I’d just walk alongside him, I’d be there to help support him.

I did not receive a call. He was fine. Capable. He was happy to be outside. And I was relieved. Relieved that he could be outside in winter. And relieved that he didn’t fall.

Once some of this crazy weather has wrapped up, I’m eager to go for a walk as a family. Brady has good “winter tires” for his chair, and his Batec attachment has the same, so I’m hopeful we could actually make our way around all together. But, for now, this worked 💜 I am so proud of Brady and his determination.